🍲 Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings – Creamy Southern Comfort
“Tonight will be my 4th time making this! Super easy and my family loves it. The gravy is to die for!” ❤️ That’s the kind of rave review you’ll get every time you serve this Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. It’s warm, creamy, filling, and downright heavenly — the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of home.
Whether you grew up eating chicken and dumplings or are making it for the first time, this recipe delivers that Sunday supper comfort with a fraction of the effort. Just toss everything in the crock pot, let it simmer low and slow, and top it with buttery biscuits for the perfect old-fashioned flavor. 🏡✨
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Hands-off cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work.
- ✅ Ultra creamy gravy: Rich, savory, and silky smooth.
- ✅ Hearty comfort food: Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and veggies in every bite.
- ✅ Family favorite: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults!
As Chef Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) says, “There’s something about slow cooker meals that make dinner feel like it cooked itself — and that’s my kind of comfort.” 🍽️
🥕 Ingredients for Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
🍲 Main Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can buttermilk refrigerated biscuits
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, defrosted
- Black pepper to taste
🌿 Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for deeper flavor
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for color and warmth
- ½ cup heavy cream stirred in at the end for extra richness
🕐 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Build the Base Layer
Start by layering the diced onion on the bottom of your crock pot. This creates a flavorful base that infuses every bite of the dish.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Lay the chicken thighs on top of the onions in a single layer. Thighs work best for this recipe — they stay tender, juicy, and flavorful even after hours of slow cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Sauces
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of cream of celery soup
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- Black pepper to taste
Stir until smooth and pour the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
Step 4: Add Broth
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over everything. This creates that rich, savory gravy as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on High for 5 hours. Do not open the lid during this time — it traps heat and slows down cooking.
Step 6: Add Vegetables & Shred the Chicken
When there’s about 1 hour left, open the lid. Add the defrosted mixed vegetables and gently stir them in, breaking up the chicken thighs as you mix. The meat will shred easily at this point, blending perfectly into the creamy base.
Step 7: Add the Dumplings
Open your can of buttermilk biscuits. Flatten each biscuit slightly and cut it into 4 strips. Layer the strips on top of the chicken mixture. They’ll cook right on top of the sauce and absorb all that flavor. 🤤
Step 8: Final Hour
Cover again and let cook for the remaining hour. Once finished, gently stir everything together to incorporate the dumplings throughout the mixture. You’ll be left with soft, doughy dumplings surrounded by the creamiest gravy imaginable.
Step 9: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and black pepper. Serve hot — it’s comfort food perfection. ❤️
👩🍳 Pro Chef Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Chef Gordon Ramsay:
“The key to rich flavor in slow-cooked meals is layering. Season at every stage — from the onions to the final stir.”
Chef Ree Drummond:
“Don’t skip the biscuit topping! It’s what gives that old-fashioned dumpling texture that makes this dish irresistible.”
Chef Ina Garten:
“Use fresh herbs whenever possible — parsley, thyme, or even dill add a bright, fresh note to creamy dishes.”
🍛 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.
- Add a side of buttermilk biscuits to soak up the extra gravy.
- Pair with Southern-style green beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
- Finish with Texas Buttermilk Coconut Pie for dessert.
🥗 Nutrition & Health Benefits
This dish is pure comfort food, but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients from the chicken and veggies. Here’s a breakdown:
| Ingredient | Amount (per serving) | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | 100g | Rich in protein, B vitamins, and iron |
| Mixed Vegetables | 75g | Provides fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins |
| Chicken Broth | 60ml | Hydrating and full of collagen and minerals |
| Biscuits | 1 serving | Source of carbohydrates for energy |
Approximate Calories per serving: 420 kcal
💡 Healthier Swaps:
- Use light cream of chicken soup for fewer calories.
- Substitute chicken breasts for thighs for leaner protein.
- Top with whole-grain biscuits or even homemade dumplings for a rustic touch.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep the gravy smooth.
⚠️ Food Safety:
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
🔗 Related Comfort Food Recipes
Love cozy slow cooker recipes? Try these from Fresh Tones Hunger:
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs give the best flavor and tenderness.
2. Can I cook this on Low instead of High?
Yes. Cook on Low for 7–8 hours for the same delicious results.
3. What kind of biscuits work best?
Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are perfect, but you can also use homemade drop biscuits or dumpling dough.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Corn, green beans, or diced potatoes make great additions.
5. How do I make it creamier?
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
6. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, but add it only during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
7. What if my biscuits are too doughy?
Cook uncovered for 10 minutes near the end to help firm up the dumplings.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soups and biscuit dough — the results are still creamy and delicious.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
If your gravy is too thin, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold broth and cook for 10 more minutes.
10. What side dishes go best with this meal?
Pair it with Southern Green Beans or a Crisp Garden Salad.
💬 Final Thoughts: The Easiest Comfort Food You’ll Ever Make
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is everything you want in comfort food — creamy, savory, and full of love. Every spoonful brings cozy Southern flavor and old-fashioned comfort straight to your table. ❤️
As Chef Ina Garten says, “Homemade doesn’t have to mean hard — it just has to be made with heart.” And this dish proves exactly that. 💛
So plug in your slow cooker, gather your family, and enjoy this timeless Southern classic that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. 🍲✨
